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Places / Europe / Montenegro

Budva

Visited in July 2014

At a glance

Country
Montenegro
Region
Budva Municipality
Population
13,338
Best time to go
June, September
Main airport
Tivat (TIV)
Coordinates
42.29°N, 18.84°E

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Overview

Budva is the busiest resort on the Montenegrin coast, a compact walled old town on a small headland surrounded by beaches, high-rise hotels and summer nightlife.

The old town itself is lovely, with stone lanes, churches and a citadel looking out to sea. Beyond it, a string of coves and villages runs south to the island village of Sveti Stefan, and the mountains rise steeply behind the coast.

Things to see

  • Budva Old Town
    Photo: Jaakko Luttinen, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Budva Old Town

    A small walled town of narrow lanes, churches and cafés, rebuilt with care after the 1979 earthquake.

  • Budva Citadel
    Photo: Falk2, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Budva Citadel

    The fortress at the tip of the old town, with ramparts overlooking the sea and the island of Sveti Nikola.

    Tickets and tours
  • Sveti Stefan
    Photo: Marcin Konsek, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Sveti Stefan

    A fortified village on an islet joined to the shore by a sandbar; admire it from the beach and the hillside above.

  • Mogren Beach
    Photo: Milica buha, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Mogren Beach

    Two coves beneath the cliffs, reached by a short path from the old town walls.

  • Dancer statue
    Photo: Hugo Ideler, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Dancer statue

    A bronze of a ballerina on the rocks near Mogren, a favourite spot for photos at sunset.

Things to do

  • Boat to Sveti Nikola
    Photo: BuhaM, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Boat to Sveti Nikola

    Small boats from the harbour run across to the largest island on the coast, with pebbly beaches and clear water.

    Find tours
  • Coastal walk to Sveti Stefan
    Photo: Сергей Наруков, CC BY 3.0

    Coastal walk to Sveti Stefan

    Follow the path along the shore from Pržno, through pine woods and past quiet coves.

  • Nightlife on the seafront
    Photo: Bratislav, Public domain

    Nightlife on the seafront

    In summer the promenade along Slovenska Beach fills with bars, music and late-night crowds.

  • Day trip to Kotor
    Photo: User:Ggia, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Day trip to Kotor

    The walled town and the dramatic bay are under an hour away by bus or car.

Where to stay

Getting around

The centre and old town are walkable, and frequent buses run along the coast. Taxis are easy to find.

Tivat airport is about 25 minutes away by road; Podgorica airport is around an hour.

When to go

June and September have warm sea and sunshine without peak-season crowds. July and August are hot, busy and loud, while many places close from November to March.

Plan your trip to Budva

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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

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